30 May 2017

News Story: Fighting in Marawi winding down, says military

By Patricia Lourdes Viray

MANILA, Philippines — Government forces have regained "complete" control of Marawi City as the clash with members of a local terror group comes to an end, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Monday.

Armed forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that only small areas of Marawi are under the control of the Maute group after six days of fighting.

"We have complete control of the city, by the way, contrary to what is coming out in social media and other information, perhaps some fake news. It is not true that half of the city is controlled by the rebels," Padilla said at a press briefing.

In addition to civilians, about 61 militants, 15 soldiers and three police were among the dead as result of the violence in the city.

Padilla added that the military's ground commanders have assured them that the end of the clash with the militant group is near.

"Although we do not have a timeline, we're seeking to end this as soon as possible," the AFP spokesman said.